Preseason Football Top 15

Hey folks.
Here’s a look at the preseason Top 15. I’m sure there are many who would disagree with the early picks, feel free to add your comments and insight….
Dknight

Top 15
Last year’s records in parentheses.
1. Valley Christian (8-4)
The Warriors finished strong last season and return a solid core of stars, including state sophomore of the year RB Byron Marshall, along with QB Zach Vaiana and WR Bryan Fobbs and center Justin Satele. The Warriors have a rugged nonleague schedule, opening at home with Central Section champ Bullard.
Sept. 11: vs. Bullard, 7 p.m.

2. Archbishop Mitty (9-1-1)
Expect the Monarchs, the most improved team in the Central Coast Section last season, to contend for West Catholic and Open Division titles again. Senior QB Kyle Boehm leads an offense that racked up more than 340 yards per game.
Friday: vs. Pioneer, at Foothill College, 7 p.m.

3. Bellarmine (11-2-1)
The Bells should carry on their winning ways and will have a go-to player in RB/LB Kristoffer Olugbode. Senior C Rudy Iniguez will be a key factor in the vaunted double-wing rushing attack.
Friday: vs. San Leandro, at San Jose City College, 7 p.m.

4. St. Francis (9-4)
The Lancers lost some key playmakers on offense but should make up for it with a solid defense led by CB Isaiah Lott and LB Rhett Ramirez. First-year coach Nick Navarro has a playmaker in junior receiver Braden Bishop. An influx of talent from an undefeated JV squad will be the key to the season.
Friday: vs. Oak Grove, 7:30 p.m.

5. Palo Alto (7-2-2)
The defending De Anza Division champion should be tough to stop offensively with the return of QB Christoph Bono, who was injured halfway through last season. He has game-changing receivers in Maurice Williams and Davante Adams. DE Kevin Andersen has made a commitment to play at Stanford.
Sept. 10: at Burlingame, 7 p.m.

7. Serra (6-6)
The Padres showed how tough the WCAL was last season, entering the Open Division playoffs as the No. 8 seed and knocking off top-seeded Pioneer in the first round. The development of senior QB Andy McAlindon is a key factor for an offense looking for a leader.
Saturday: vs. De La Salle, 1 p.m.

8. Los Gatos (10-3)
The two-time Division II champion loses star QB Nick Hirschman, but the Wildcats’ rushing game should be much improved, and their defense should be solid.
Sept. 11: at Menlo-Atherton, 2 p.m.

9. Piedmont Hills (9-3)
The Pirates were a big play from reaching the Division I final last season. With key skill players back, led by WR/LB Stephen Anderson, the Pirates are primed to make a run for league and section titles.
Friday: at Independence, 7 p.m.

10. Oak Grove (4-6)
Expect a rebound year for the Eagles, who have a wealth of young talent. LB/TE Scott Lawyer has committed to Washington, and the Eagles have several playmakers, including WR/DB Cleveland Wallace and DE/TE Eugene Taylor.
Friday: at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m.

12. Milpitas (11-2)
The defending Division I champion lost a lot to graduation but has an influx of young talent. MLB/G Maki Musika was an All-Mercury News selection and will lead a program that historically produces some of the Bay Area’s best recruits.
Sept. 11: at St. Ignatius, 1 p.m.

13. Carmel (12-0)
The Padres claimed their first CCS title last year while averaging 53 points per game. Junior QB Devin Pearson threw for 2,442 yards and 32 touchdowns while completing 73 percent of his passes.
Friday: vs. St. Francis-Watsonville, at Cabrillo College, 7:30 p.m.

15. Pioneer (10-1)
The Mustangs ran the table to win the Mount Hamilton Division last season and lost in the first round of the Open Division playoffs to Serra. Long-time coach Mark Krail takes over at Santa Clara, but veteran defensive coordinator Eric Perry steps in to give the program continuity.
Friday: vs. Mitty, at Foothill College, 7 p.m.